Commercial vehicle market up 24%

30th May 2011

Commercial vehicle sales in April were 24% up on a year ago at 21,578 units and on a rolling annual basis the market is again 24% up at 280,775 units, according to SMMT figures.  Demand for vans was 21% up in April, at 18,081 units.

• LCVs up to 2 tonnes – down 9% in April to 3,298 units.  First four months up 4% compared to Jan-April 2010 at 17,963 units.
• LCVs 2-2.5 tonnes – up 32% to 2,351 units.  First four months up 36% at 10,591 units.
• LCVs 2.5-3.5 tonnes – up 34% to 10,392 units.  First four months up 34% at 49,370 units.
• 4x4 utilities – up 12% to 342 units.  First four months up 46% at 2,409 units.
• Pick-ups – up 20% in April to 1,698 units.  First four months up 54% at 10,089 units.

“Demonstrating an ongoing resurgence of confidence in the commercial vehicle market, April recorded the 15th successive monthly rise for new van registrations,” said Paul Everitt, the SMMT chief executive.  “Year to date figures for almost every sector were up significantly on 2010, a trend that is likely to continue throughout the year.”